-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- New laws going into effect Sunday cover some of the nation 's most contentious issues , from immigration to abortion , while others deal with tanning beds , tuition and where you can sell a pet .

In all , nearly 40,000 laws were enacted in 2011 , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures . Some take effect New Year 's Day .

Among them is a controversial California provision requiring that schools add `` lesbian , gay , bisexual , and transgender Americans '' to the list of those whose contributions `` to the development of California and the United States '' must be taught in schools .

Another California law adds `` gender identity and gender expression '' to the list of characteristics that require equal rights .

New laws in Delaware and Hawaii make same-sex couples eligible for civil unions and grant them the same rights and benefits as married couples under the law , the legislature group said .

NCSL : New state laws for the new year

In New Hampshire , starting January 1 , minors will have to inform a parent before getting an abortion or seek a court order to avoid parental notification .

Gov. John Lynch had vetoed the bill , saying there must be an exception for rape , incest and abuse . The legislature overrode his veto .

New laws in Louisiana , Tennessee , South Carolina and Georgia require businesses to enroll in the federal E-Verify program to ensure that employees are eligible to work in the United States , the National Conference of State Legislatures says .

California , meanwhile , is prohibiting any state or local government office from requiring that employers use E-Verify , unless it is required by federal law as a condition of receiving federal funds .

E-Verify is a controversial program designed to check a prospective employee 's citizenship or immigration status . Supporters say it helps businesses avoid unintentionally hiring illegal immigrants . Critics complain that it is expensive to operate , pushes undocumented workers further underground , and is not always accurate .

Some laws ahead for the new year focus on health issues .

One in California prohibits the production or sale of beer to which caffeine has been added . Another in the state would prohibit the sale of dextromethorphan , or DXM , to minors without a prescription . DXM is in many over-the-counter cough suppressants , but it has been used as a recreational drug , the National Conference of State Legislatures says .

California also will ban stores from selling expired infant food and formula .

Another law in California focuses on school athletes suspected of having a concussion or head injury . A school must remove the athlete from that activity and not allow him or her to resume until clearance is given by a health care provider .

Many of the new laws cited by the legislature group are in California , including one prohibiting the use of ultraviolet tanning devices by minors and another making it a crime to sell `` a live animal on any street , highway , public right-of-way , parking lot , carnival , or boardwalk . ''

Both Oregon and California will prohibit the sale of shark fins in the new year .

Oregon is requiring state colleges and universities to waive tuition and fees for foster children under age 25 .

Some new state laws amend crime provisions . Kentucky will require that certain inmates convicted of drug crimes serve the final six months of their sentences in the community , under supervision .

Oregon will require ignition interlock devices -- computerized breath analyzers -- for people convicted of driving under the influence and people who are under intoxicant diversion agreements , which allow prosecution on a DUI charge to be delayed .

And more states are joining a nationwide movement for tougher laws against distracted driving . Nevada will prohibit all drivers from texting and using handheld devices , the National Conference of State Legislatures says . North Dakota is banning drivers under age 18 from using cell phones in their cars and barring all drivers from texting .

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Nearly 40,000 laws were enacted in 2011 , according to legislature group

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Some of those laws go into effect January 1

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Many of the new laws cited are in California